Skip to main content
← All ingredients

Ingredients

Chondroitin (chondroitin sulfate)

Chondroitin sulfate · Chondroitin sulphate · Sodium chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan, meaning a long polysaccharide built from repeating disaccharide units, naturally present in connective tissues and especially in cartilage. In food supplements it is most commonly listed as “chondroitin sulfate” or as a sodium salt, supplied as capsules, tablets, powders, or sachets. Traditional raw-material sources include bovine, porcine, avian, and cartilaginous fish cartilage, while some products use chondroitin sulfate made via microbial fermentation followed by sulfation. Composition and molecular weight can vary with the source and purification process, so labels often specify the form and origin. In cosmetics it may appear as a skin-conditioning/humectant ingredient in topical formulas, typically using water-soluble derivatives and low concentrations suited to leave-on or rinse-off products.

Approved claims

Approved claims

No approved claims yet.

Safety notes

EFSA has not set a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for chondroitin sulfate, as EFSA ULs are established for vitamins and minerals and this substance is not classified as one. For products using “chondroitin sulfate obtained by microbial fermentation and sulfation”, EU novel food legislation sets a maximum of 1,200 mg per day in food supplements for adults. It may interact with medicines that affect blood clotting or platelet function; consult a doctor before use. If animal-derived (e.g., from bovine/porcine/cartilaginous fish cartilage), source-related hypersensitivity may be relevant for some individuals; consult a doctor before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should consult a doctor before use.

Products containing it

Products containing it